Introduction to Radioactivity

Day 1 - Introduction to Nuclear Radiation

Multiple Choice

What do these isotopes of lithium all have in common?

• neutrons & mass number

• atomic number and neutrons

• atomic number and electrons

• protons, atomic number, and mass number

Multiple Choice

^{The photo above shows the isotopic notation for which isotope?}

• Carbon 12

• Carbon 13

• Carbon 14

• Carbon 15

Multiple Choice

The top number in this isotope notation is

• the mass number

• the atomic number

• the atomic mass

• the neutron number

Multiple Choice

The bottom number in this isotope notation is

• the mass number

• the atomic number

• the atomic mass

• the neutron number

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a characteristic of a nuclear reaction?

• results from a change in the neutrons or protons of an element

• are unaffected by pressure or temperature

• cannot be sped up or slowed down

• results from changing the mass number of an atom

Multiple Choice

What is an atom that has an unstable nucleus and undergoes radioactive decay?

• Radiation

• Radioactivity

• Radioisotopes

• Radium

Multiple Choice

 For the following nuclear reaction, what was the beginning radionuclide (X)?
      X  →   ₈₆Rn²²² + ₂He⁴ 

• Radium-222
• Radon-222
• Radon-226
• Radium-226

Multiple Choice

An alpha particle can penetrate

• a sheet of paper.
• a thin layer of cloth.
• a sheet of aluminum.
• none of the above

Multiple Choice

Which type of nuclear radiation is being emitted here?

• Alpha
• beta
• gamma 
• none

Multiple Choice

What was the parent element in this reaction?

• ²³⁴₉₀Th

• ²³⁸₉₂U

• ²³⁴₉₂U

• ²³²₉₀Th

Multiple Choice

What was the parent element in this reaction?

• ²³⁴₉₀Th

• ²³⁸₉₂U

• ²³⁴₉₂U

• ²³²₉₀Th

Multiple Choice

Which of the following correctly describes the charge of beta particles and alpha particles?

• Alpha particles are positively charged, and beta particles are negatively charged.

• Alpha particles and beta particles are both negatively charged.

• Alpha particles are negatively charged, and beta particles are positively charged.

• Alpha particles and beta particles are both positively charged

Multiple Choice

Which of the following nuclear emissions has the greatest penetrating power?

• alpha
• gamma
• beta
• positron